It would work. It must work! Darkyn was too cruel a master to betray.
Jade shook his head, feeling as if madness born of desperation were creeping into his mind with the pain. He straightened and limped toward the castle. No one challenged him, for the Immortals had no idea what he'd done. He passed through them tensely, many of them as bloody or bruised as he was. He saw only warriors on the main floor of the castle and ascended with increasing pain to the floor where Kris would be.
Kris's chamber was a burnt-out hull, and he lingered for a moment, regret in his belly. He'd spent many wonderful nights in the now crispy bed. He went next door to the conference room and opened it.
Kris looked up, surprise crossing his face. Kiki, the Ancient from Asia, sat beside Kris at the small conference table and looked him over with a frown. Jade's words stuck in his throat at the sight of Kris's beautiful emerald eyes. Emerald was the color of Kris thinking, and Jade's favorite hue.
"My god, Jade, where have you been?" Kris managed at last, standing.
"I needed some space," Jade replied. "When I came back, the demons were attacking. I chased them into the forest and ended up surrounded. Barely made it back."
"We lost half of Kris's warriors and quite a few of mine," Kiki said. "You're a lucky man." "Kiki, can you leave us alone?" Kris asked. Kiki obeyed and left, closing the door behind him. Jade's heart started to soar. His one love wanted to be alone with him!
"I would hug you in greeting, but I'm down to one of my last sets of clothing," Kris said somewhat ruefully. He moved to the edge of the table nearest Jade and crossed his arms as he leaned against it. "You need a healer, my friend."
"I've seen better days," Jade agreed. "I am sorry I wasn't here when you needed me."
"We survived. Barely. Waiting to see what Darkyn intends by sending his remaining warriors to the human village."
"He would do that?"
"Seems that way. Kiki's men are at the village now to protect it."
Jade was quiet, struck by the importance of such a move. Darkyn had said nothing of this to him! It was one thing for the demons and Immortals to fight, but to attack the innocent humans was madness. He would never go so far.
"I am happy to see you. I was worried," Kris said in a soft voice. Jade's pulse leapt at the words. "A lot has changed in so short a time. The Council is working together for once, and Sasha tricked us into thinking he was returning to the Council, disappeared and washed up at the Caribbean Sanctuary. Our father's body was stolen."